Office of Vital Records

Office of Vital Records

Welcome to the Division of Vital Records and Health Statistics. We receive an average of 30,000 calls a month to the Vital Records Information Line. In addition, 9,000 people stop by our office each month requesting certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. We house over 7 million records detailing this information for the citizens of Virginia. You can place a call with one of our Customer Service Representatives by dialing 804-662-6200.

Birth records are public information 100 years after the date of the event; death, marriage, and divorce records, 50 years after the event. Vital Records are available to immediate family members only- mother, father, husband, wife, child, brother, sister and grandparents with valid ID. Birth records can be issued to the legal guardian with proof of custody papers. Aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, etc. cannot obtain a Vital Record.

Any person requesting a Vital Record MUST PROVIDE A LEGIBLE PHOTOCOPY OF THEIR IDENTIFICATION (see ID Requirements).

There are three ways in which to obtain a CERTIFIED VITAL (BIRTH, DEATH, MARRIAGE, DIVORCE) Record in Virginia. Choose the method that best suits your needs

Mail - – The Division of Vital Records is now in our peak season for mail-in requests. The turn around is estimated at 1 to 4 weeks (5 to 20 business days) for CERTIFIED VITAL RECORDS from the day the request is received IN THIS OFFICE. However, people are urged to allow sufficient time for delivery of all CERTIFIED VITAL RECORDS. Full instructions>>

Walk-in - Same day service is available to walk-in customers. This is the fastest way to obtain a certified vital record. When you arrive, you will complete an application, pay the $12 required fee, and show the processing clerk a valid photo I.D. Full instructions>>

Express Delivery through the VitalChek Network - For your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent company that Virginia Department of Health, Division of Vital Records has partnered with to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc. VitalChek can be reached through their website or toll free at 877-572-6333. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®. See VitalChek's Full instructions>>